SYNOPSIS

The Baltic Sea is one of Europe's most polluted and threatened marine ecosystems. Eutrophication, overfishing, underwater noise, pollution, and climate change are putting increasing pressure on its wildlife and habitats. Fish populations such as cod and herring have collapsed, while species including harbour porpoises and grey seals face serious threats. Over several weeks, the documentary follows Sea Shepherd's crew aboard the TRITON as they search for and recover ghost nets — abandoned fishing gear that continues to trap and kill marine life. Combining the crew's hands-on conservation work with scientific insights, including contributions from marine ecologist Prof. Dr. Thorsten Reusch of GEOMAR, the film explores the complex challenges facing the Baltic Sea. Through the perspectives of both scientists and activists, it reveals what is at stake beneath the surface and how collective action can contribute to protecting this fragile ecosystem.

CREDITS

Directors: Sarah Ziegler, Janika Kamm
Camera: Raphael Baumann, David Riesbeck, Sarah Ziegler, Jonas Vogel, Chris Keller, Marco Gasparic, Marcel Möbus, Katie Mahler, Gary Krosnoff, Benjamin Eckert, Janis Klinkenberg, Sean Romanowski, Sarah Albrecht
Drone: Janis Klinkenberg, Raphael Baumann
Editor: Janika Kamm
Animation: Matthias Müller, Timothé Kimmel, Johanna Pietschmann
Colour Grading: Jonas Vogel
Sound Design: Tim Henn, Bony Stoev
Production: Holger Weber, Sarah Ziegler
Production Company: Black Forest Collective

MY STATEMENT

“Together with co-director Sarah Ziegler, I developed the documentary's editorial foundation. We researched the scientific background of the Baltic Sea, developed the concept, and prepared the interview questions that would guide our conversations with scientists and activists.

I was also responsible for editing the film. The extensive footage emerged from a six-month campaign whose course continued to evolve throughout production. This meant that much of the film's narrative structure took shape in the editing room, where I had to identify the central storylines, connect scientific context with personal experiences, and distil a large amount of material into a coherent documentary. My aim was to make the complex ecological challenges facing the Baltic Sea tangible while showing the people working to protect it.”

FUNDING & PARTNERS

Bracenet, Deutsche Postcode Lotterie